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Students and parents press board over sudden adviser reassignments at Gar High
Summary
Gar High students and community members urged the board to explain the abrupt reassignment of long‑time ASB adviser Justin Vez and other staff changes, citing poor communication, disruption to traditions and calls for co‑advisor or transitional options.
A large group of Gar High students, alumni and parents used the public‑comment period to demand clarity and remedies after the district reassigned or removed longtime staff advisers. Senior student speakers described the sudden changes as disruptive to school traditions, ASB operations and staged events such as retreats and homecoming, and they asked the board to consider co‑advising arrangements or clearer transition plans.
Student Joseph (Jacob) Gutierrez said the removal of a long‑time adviser created confusion and fear among students and staff. Several student speakers recounted meetings with school administrators seeking transition plans; administrators said staffing decisions were driven by budget and enrollment but acknowledged communications with students could have been handled better. One student read an administration comment that an earlier email announcing changes had been “poorly handled.”
Why it matters: Students and parents said the changes affect school culture and student leadership continuity. Trustees said they would follow up and staff reported they would meet with Gar High student leaders to discuss transitions for upcoming events (retreats, homecoming) and possible co‑advisor models.
Board follow‑up: Administration agreed to continue meetings with students and to discuss co‑advisor options. Dr. Fraser and other administrators told students they would review event planning and possible transition steps; students asked for clearer, earlier communication in the future.
